Oxford 4x4 drivers to be taxed more under ‘outrageous’ plan

Drivers of SUVs will face higher parking charges in Oxford if an “outrageous” proposal to tax bigger cars is agreed by the city council.

A motion put forward by the city’s Green Party argues that heavier cars cause more damage to our roads, are more likely to seriously injure or kill pedestrians and cause illnesses because of pollution.

The proposal has taken inspiration from Paris, where parking charges tripled for SUV drivers, and an emission-based parking charge system introduced in Bath last autumn.

Lois Muddiman, a Green councillor, said: “The cost to the public purse, with the impact on the NHS and the highways authority, is higher if you’re driving a big car. If pedestrians are hit, they are more likely to be seriously injured by larger cars as they go underneath the vehicle due to its higher ride height.

“SUVs also cause more damage to our medieval roads, which aren’t made for these big vehicles, and there are greater emissions. In our view, large number of drivers don’t need to have such a big car. Larger cars are more expensive, so in the same way that the wealthy should be paying more for public services, larger- car owners should pay more if they choose to have them. There’s nothing behind the proposals which aren’t common sense.”

The average vehicle is now more than 70in (180cm) wide, having got bigger every year since 2001 when 60in (170cm) was the norm. Bulkier vehicles have surged in popularity with the hybrid- electric BMW XM at 79in (200.5cm) and the Range Rover Sport at 78in ( 199cm)among models favoured by drivers.

Electric vehicles are generally much heavier than the average petrol or diesel car, with the battery alone weighing 78st (500kg).

A larger- car parking tax would come in addition to Oxford’s zero emissions zone (ZEZ) which charges petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles up to £10 a day to enter. The tariffs, in place in a 1.5 square-mile area for two years, will double from August next year and the ZEZ could be expanded in 2026. Brian MacDowall, of the Alliance of British Drivers, called the plan “absolutely outrageous”. He said: “All vehicles using public spaces should be charged the same amount. There is no case for singling out cars for their size, weight or emissions.”

Joe Wright

The charge for petrol, diesel and hybrid cars to enter Oxford’s zero emissions zone